The surprising truth about how long sex really lasts
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Sexual intimacy is a topic often shrouded in mystery and misconceptions, with many people harbouring unrealistic expectations about the duration and nature of the act.
A recent study conducted by men's health service platform Pilot shed light on the stark contrast between these expectations and reality, revealing some surprising truths about how long sex actually lasts.
The study found that, on average, men typically last five and a half minutes during sex. However, it was also revealed that people believe they should last twice as long.
This discrepancy between expectation and reality can lead to feelings of inadequacy and performance anxiety, particularly among men.
The report suggested that these inflated expectations could be attributed to the consumption of pornography.
According to the study, 33 per cent of men consume pornographic content at least once a week, if not more. This exposure to unrealistic portrayals of sexual activity can distort perceptions of what constitutes 'normal' sexual performance and duration.
Dr Ben Condon, a contributor to the report, explained, 'Porn, particularly in the absence of sufficient sex education, perpetuates unrealistic and unhealthy expectations of sex and intimate relationships. This unnecessarily increases the incidence of shame and anxiety in one’s ‘performance’ while also encouraging unhealthy, and at times disrespectful, relationships.'
Interestingly, the report found that 59 per cent of men believe porn either positively impacts or has no impact on their sexual performance.
On the other hand, 33 per cent of women have a different opinion on how porn impacts their partner’s performance.
The Dangers of Mimicking Pornography
The report also highlighted the dangers of men attempting to mimic the acts seen in pornography to please their partners.
While porn and self-pleasure are often linked, unrealistic views and aggressive behaviour towards women normalised in porn can decrease arousal and even contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Dr Condon warned, 'Fundamentally, porn is not representative of healthy sexual relationships. It perpetuates unrealistic expectations of performance and body image and normalises aggression, extreme behaviours and, in some cases, violence while also minimising the need for consent.’
‘Over time, this ultimately impacts our perception of healthy sexual relationships, what’s “normal” and can lead to decreased arousal, performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction,' he added.
The Need for Open Conversations About Sex
While limiting porn consumption might be beneficial, Dr Condon acknowledged that it is incredibly difficult due to its widespread availability.
He stated: ‘A better approach is to encourage and facilitate more conversations about sex, sexual health and respectful relationships, that place porn in context, removing unnecessary expectations and stigma.’
The report was created in response to the belief that men aren’t opening up about their intimate health and relationships.
Dr Condon said, 'It’s clear from the findings that there are still many taboos to break through when it comes to men’s intimate health and relationships, and that’s exactly what Pilot is working to do.'
Sexual intimacy is a complex and deeply personal experience that varies greatly from person to person. It's important to remember that what matters most is mutual consent, respect, and satisfaction during sexual intimacy.
The findings of this report serve as a reminder that people need to challenge the unrealistic expectations set by pornography and foster open, honest conversations about sexual health and relationships.
By doing so, people can promote healthier attitudes towards sex and intimacy and help individuals feel more confident and satisfied in their sexual experiences.
What are your thoughts on these findings, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
A recent study conducted by men's health service platform Pilot shed light on the stark contrast between these expectations and reality, revealing some surprising truths about how long sex actually lasts.
The study found that, on average, men typically last five and a half minutes during sex. However, it was also revealed that people believe they should last twice as long.
This discrepancy between expectation and reality can lead to feelings of inadequacy and performance anxiety, particularly among men.
A study revealed a discrepancy between expectation and reality regarding sexual duration. Credit: RDNE Stock project/Pexels
The report suggested that these inflated expectations could be attributed to the consumption of pornography.
According to the study, 33 per cent of men consume pornographic content at least once a week, if not more. This exposure to unrealistic portrayals of sexual activity can distort perceptions of what constitutes 'normal' sexual performance and duration.
Dr Ben Condon, a contributor to the report, explained, 'Porn, particularly in the absence of sufficient sex education, perpetuates unrealistic and unhealthy expectations of sex and intimate relationships. This unnecessarily increases the incidence of shame and anxiety in one’s ‘performance’ while also encouraging unhealthy, and at times disrespectful, relationships.'
Interestingly, the report found that 59 per cent of men believe porn either positively impacts or has no impact on their sexual performance.
On the other hand, 33 per cent of women have a different opinion on how porn impacts their partner’s performance.
The Dangers of Mimicking Pornography
The report also highlighted the dangers of men attempting to mimic the acts seen in pornography to please their partners.
While porn and self-pleasure are often linked, unrealistic views and aggressive behaviour towards women normalised in porn can decrease arousal and even contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Dr Condon warned, 'Fundamentally, porn is not representative of healthy sexual relationships. It perpetuates unrealistic expectations of performance and body image and normalises aggression, extreme behaviours and, in some cases, violence while also minimising the need for consent.’
‘Over time, this ultimately impacts our perception of healthy sexual relationships, what’s “normal” and can lead to decreased arousal, performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction,' he added.
The Need for Open Conversations About Sex
While limiting porn consumption might be beneficial, Dr Condon acknowledged that it is incredibly difficult due to its widespread availability.
He stated: ‘A better approach is to encourage and facilitate more conversations about sex, sexual health and respectful relationships, that place porn in context, removing unnecessary expectations and stigma.’
The report was created in response to the belief that men aren’t opening up about their intimate health and relationships.
Dr Condon said, 'It’s clear from the findings that there are still many taboos to break through when it comes to men’s intimate health and relationships, and that’s exactly what Pilot is working to do.'
Sexual intimacy is a complex and deeply personal experience that varies greatly from person to person. It's important to remember that what matters most is mutual consent, respect, and satisfaction during sexual intimacy.
The findings of this report serve as a reminder that people need to challenge the unrealistic expectations set by pornography and foster open, honest conversations about sexual health and relationships.
By doing so, people can promote healthier attitudes towards sex and intimacy and help individuals feel more confident and satisfied in their sexual experiences.
What are your thoughts on these findings, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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